The octane rating of gasoline shows how well the fuel resists knock – the uncontrolled self-ignition of the fuel-air mixture before the spark. Knock costs power, raises fuel consumption and, over time, can damage pistons and valves. Refiners therefore have to bring every gasoline grade to its octane specification.
The INTRON® Octane Booster Series from PETRONAX does this with a single, well-known molecule: N-Methyl Aniline (NMA). In this article we explain what the product is, how it raises octane and what blenders should check before use.
What is the INTRON® Octane Booster Series?
The INTRON® Octane Booster Series is based on N-Methyl Aniline, a secondary aromatic amine (CAS 100-61-8). It is an ashless, metal-free octane booster for motor gasoline. Because it is efficient at a low treat rate, refiners and blenders use it to reach the octane spec without changing the refinery configuration.
Typical properties of N-Methyl Aniline
| Chemical name | N-Methyl Aniline (NMA, monomethylaniline) |
| CAS number | 100-61-8 |
| Molecular formula | C₇H₉N |
| Appearance | Clear liquid, colourless to light yellow; darkens in air |
| Boiling point | ≈ 196–197 °C |
| Density at 20 °C | ≈ 0.986–0.989 g/cm³ |
| Flash point | ≈ 79–80 °C (closed cup) |
| Solubility | Poorly soluble in water; miscible with alcohols, ethers and most organic solvents |
Values are indicative. Batch-specific figures are stated on the Certificate of Analysis supplied with every delivery.
How does it raise the octane number?
Knock starts when the unburned part of the mixture ignites on its own while the flame front is still moving through the cylinder. Before that self-ignition, hydrocarbons break down in a chain of radical reactions. Aromatic amines such as N-Methyl Aniline interrupt these chains, so self-ignition is delayed. As a result, the spark-ignited flame can burn through the whole charge in a controlled way. Labs measure the effect as the Research Octane Number (RON, ASTM D2699).
Advantages compared with other octane improvers
- High efficiency per unit volume. A small amount of NMA gives a clear RON gain, so less additive, tank space and freight are needed per octane point.
- Ashless and metal-free. Unlike lead, manganese or iron antiknock agents, it leaves no metallic residue that could foul spark plugs or damage catalytic converters.
- Lower volumes than oxygenates. Ethanol, MTBE or ETBE must be blended in much larger volumes and change vapour pressure and energy content.
- Cheaper than new process units. For many refiners it is a more economical route to spec octane than deeper reforming or isomerisation.
Dosage and compliance
We recommend a treat rate of no more than 1.3 % by weight. The actual octane gain depends on the base gasoline, so we confirm the dose with a test of your fuel. Please note that the permitted N-Methyl Aniline content in gasoline differs by market, and some countries restrict it. Blenders and importers must check local fuel rules before use.
Handling and safety
N-Methyl Aniline is a toxic substance. It is harmful by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact and is hazardous to aquatic life. Handling requires chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, protective clothing and good ventilation. Always read the current Safety Data Sheet before use.
Supply from PETRONAX
PETRONAX supplies the INTRON® Octane Booster Series in drums, IBC containers, ISO tanks and bulk, with a Certificate of Analysis, Safety Data Sheet and transport documents for each shipment. For more detail, read our full guide to N-Methyl Aniline as an octane booster or request a quote.
Dear Sir/Madam,
We require N-METHYLANILINE (NMA) FUEL ADDITIVE. the total quantity required is 383 MT. You are requested to kindly quote your most competitive price based upon FOB.
Dear Khawar, thanks for your interest. Please send enquiry to sales@petronaxcorp.com
Hi.
I´m Cesar, Comercial Manager of PROCENTEK in Bolivia.
We need 64 tons of octane booster additive to supply for 2 years-contract to the national oil company in Bolivia.
We have been working with 2 refineries that are using MMT from afton chemical corp. (Hitec 3000).
The customer knows that he must replace the MMT to use an alternative product so have asked us to offer products to perform lab testing and then sign a supply contract if the products match the requirements.
Could you please suggest a sales contact to support us with these project?
I look forward to your comments
Regards!
Dear Cesar, thanks for your interest. We can support you with our INTRON 1000 series. Please contact sales@petronaxcorp.com
Excellent description. I ama Petroleum Applications Engineer since 1979. I worked for 24 years in India, 20 years in Dubai and now in Vancouver, Canada. I want to know the lowest possible CFR Jebel Ali price of NMA for supply in ISO tanks / Drums. Requirement is 500 MT lots. I have a buyer.
Dear Sarma, please send official enquiry to sales@petronaxcorp.com
Hi, we need bulk quantity of NMA for one of our client in UAE.
Qnty. 2000MT.
Please share best competitive rates on FOB and CFR basis.
Thanks
Efaaf Corporation Ltd.
UK
Dear Efaaf, please contact us on sales@petronaxcorp.com
NMA OCTANE BOOSTER
NEEDED IN BULK CFR JEBEL ALI PORT
750 MT PER MONTH
+12362343274
Dear Sir/Madam
Thank you for your comprehensive explanation, I have a question about using NMA in gasoline as an additive. If we use Zeltex device or infrared technology for measuring octane number of gasoline, does it (I mean device) show the increasing in octane number due to the using NMA?
Dear Nazanin, Zeltex device and equal will not show any difference. You have to use special RON measuring machines like Waukesha F1/F2 or equal.
Hi,
Could you please share some references specific to Asia, especially India?
Also, any case studies related to the use of NMA in gasoline.
Thanks.
Hello, thanks for interest in our products. Please contact sales@petronaxcorp.com
Currently, we require the N-Methyl aniline (NMA) Fuel additive Quantity = 270 MT. Please send us the Quotation on your latter Head, based on CNF basis with product literature and respond to us at your earliest convenience.
Hello, thanks for interest in our products. Please contact sales@petronaxcorp.com.
Hello , I am labeed Shamil I work in refinery Laboratory then I want the certificate of analysis for NMA .. please
Hello, thanks for interest in our products. Please contact sales@petronaxcorp.com
Looking NMA 98% Octane Booster, Qty 300MT – 600MT on two to three monthly bases. Kindly quote CFR Karachi-Pakistan
Hello, thanks for interest in our products. Unfortunatelly we dont work with LCs
Hi
How much we can adding aniline and n-methyl ailine to mogas formulation?
Pleas answer seperatly for aniline percent and nmethyl aniline.
If our mogas have not any olefine, we need adding detergent and anti guming and anti oxident to mogas formula?how much we need percentage additive and what is your sugesttion?
Hello, thanks for interest in our products. Please contact sales@petronaxcorp.com. We will try to give you the best solution.